Dwarf very densely tufted succulent perennial to 15 cm. high; root large, tuberous; stem much reduced, subterranean, with short underground branches producing secondary plants crowded together to form a domed ‘cushion’ 15–100 cm. in diameter; branches usually simple, to 12 cm. long, (2–)3-angled, 1–2.5 cm. wide; angles compressed and often spirally twisted, prominently toothed with the teeth irregularly spaced 0.5–2 cm. apart.. Spine-shields oblong-triangular, to 2 mm. wide, extended to 4 mm. above the spines to enclose the flowering eye, shortly decurrent, or sometimes forming a continuous horny margin ± 1 mm. wide; spines to 9 mm. long; prickles absent or occasionally vestigial; flowering eye usually flanked by a pair of minute secondary spines.. Leaves deltoid, ± 2 × 1.5 mm.. Cymes solitary, 1-forked with peduncles and cyme-branches 3–5 mm. long arranged in a vertical plane; bracts rounded, ± 2.5 × 4 mm.. Cyathia ± 3 × 6 mm., with cup-shaped involucres, all parts yellow; glands transversely elliptic, ± 1.8 × 2.7 mm., contiguous; lobes transversely elliptic, ± 1 × 1.7 mm.. Male flowers: bracteoles laciniate; stamens 5 mm. long.. Female flower: styles 3.5 mm. long, joined for 1.5 mm., apices rugulose, deeply bifid.. Capsule sessile, obtusely 3-lobed, ± 7 × 8.5 mm., green flushed with purple.. Seeds subglobose, 2.7 × 2.5 mm., grey-mottled, smooth.
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